Hair tie

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a hair tie comprising a first loop, a second loop, and an elongated elastic member connected at a first end to the first loop and connected at a second end to the second loop. Example embodiments of the invention can be wrapped a plurality of times around lock of hair to form a helix, wherein the length and/or diameter of the helix can optionally varied based on the thickness and/or length of the user&#39;s lock of hair.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to hair ties, for example, for tying apony tail.

BACKGROUND

People with long hair often gather and tie their hair, for example, intoa pony tail. A popular method of hair control involves tying the hairback away from the field of vision. Tying hair back in an ornate andpleasing fashion currently requires considerable expenditure of time andeffort. Various tools and methods have been invented to facilitate thistask.

The art of hair tying and control is important not only from anaesthetic point of view but also from a practical standpoint. Thecontrol of long hair is essential to prevent tangling, pulling, and lossof vision. These issues can be especially problematic when a person isinvolved in sports, swimming, and other activities. The manner of haircontrol may also be attractive in appearance depending on the method ofcontrolling the hair.

While a single rubber band or scrunchie can be placed at the base of alock of hair to gather the hair, this still leads to loose hair at theend of the lock that is not attached to the persons head. It has beenknown to the present inventor to use several rubber bands or scrunchiesconsecutively at different locations of a lock of hair to secure notonly the base of the lock, but also the end of the lock and one or moreintermediate locations on the lock of hair. The inventor has discoveredthat, while this method of tying hair is useful to secure the entirelock of hair, this method has resulted in damage to hair and loss ofhair resulting from pulling out when removing the bands after havingspent time exercising, especially exercising in water.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,710 to Hall et al. describes a spiral or helicalstructure for retaining hair or hair-like strands. Hall et al. describesthe use of a helix that has a rigid or semi-rigid interior covered orconnected with a flexible material, and connected to an elastic loop.The device of Hall et al. is pre-formed in the shape of a helix and thusis not flaccid. Hall et al. does not teach or suggest forming the helixby wrapping a flaccid elastic band around a lock of hair, or a hair tiehaving an elastic loop connected to an elongated elastic member that canbe wrapped multiple times around a lock of hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,245 to Harriett describes a hair tying apparatushaving strands, such as cloth strands, having an elastic loop at oneend. However, Harriett does not teach or suggest a hair tie having anelastic loop connected to an elongated elastic member that can bewrapped multiple times around a lock of hair.

What is needed in the art is a hair tie that can be quickly used to tiea lock of hair, creates an aesthetic and secure lock of hair when worn,and can quickly be removed from the lock of hair without damaging thehair. The present inventor provides such a hair tie.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a hair tie comprising a first elastic loop, asecond loop, and an elongated elastic member connected at a first end tothe first elastic loop and connected at a second end to the secondelastic loop.

Optionally, the first elastic loop and/or the second elastic loop aremade from elastic banding.

Optionally, the elongated elastic member is made from elastic banding.

Optionally, one or more of the first elastic loop, the second elasticloop, and the elongated elastic member are made from elastic bandingthat is flaccid in its resting (i.e. non-stretched) state. Optionally,the elastic banding is made from rubber. Optionally, the elastic bandingof the loops comprises a covering, for example a soft covering (e.g.woven or non-woven covering such as a woven or non-woven fabric sheathsuch as nylon).

Optionally, the first elastic loop comprises a band thickness that isgreater than the band thickness of the second elastic loop. Additionallyor alternatively, the length of the first elastic loop is optionallygreater than the length of the second elastic loop.

The invention also provides a method of tying hair comprising:

-   -   a. providing a hair tie of the invention,    -   b. inserting a plurality of strands of hair through the first        elastic loop,    -   c. wrapping the elongated elastic member around the plurality of        strands of hair one or more times (e.g. to form a helix), and    -   d. inserting a plurality of strands of hair through the second        elastic loop

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a hair tie of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the same hair tie depicted in FIG. 1, showing how tomeasure the length of L1 of an elastic loop 1, the thickness T1 of anelastic loop 1, and the length L2 an elongated elastic member 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overview

The invention provides a hair tie comprising a first elastic loop, asecond loop, and an elongated elastic member connected at a first end tothe first elastic loop and connected at a second end to the secondelastic loop.

Optionally, one or more of (e.g. each of) the first elastic loop, thesecond elastic loop, and the elongated elastic member comprise rubberbanding. Optionally, the rubber banding is flaccid in its resting (i.e.un-stretched state). Such a configuration can be provided by tailoringthe type of the rubber and the thickness of the banding.

Optionally, the first elastic loop, second elastic loop, and elongatedelastic member can each be made of the same material (e.g. the same typeof rubber).

Optionally, the first elastic loop, the second elastic loop, and theelongated elastic member are constructed from the same banding, forexample, a band having a first loop formed at one end, and a second loopformed at a second end. Alternatively, two or more of the first elasticloop, the second elastic loop, and the elongated elastic member areconstructed from different banding, e.g. tied or adhered to each other.

Whether the first elastic loop, the second elastic loop, and theelongated elastic member are constructed from the same banding ordifferent banding, the hair tie of the invention can optionally comprisebands that are connected together after independent manufacture of thecomponents. For example, the first elastic loop can be manufacturedindependently of the elongated elastic member and then connected theretoand/or the second elastic loop can be manufactured independently of theelongated elastic member and then connected thereto. As an alternativeto independent manufacture, the first elastic loop and the elongatedelastic member can be made from the same band (e.g. having a firstelastic loop tied or molded at one end of the elongated elastic member)and/or the second elastic loop and the elongated elastic member can bemade from the same band (e.g. having a first elastic loop tied or moldedat one end of the elongated elastic member.)

Elongated Elastic Member

A hair tie of the invention comprises an elongated elastic member. Theelongated elastic member optionally comprises an elastic band. As usedherein the term elongated means that the member has a length that islonger than its width. Optionally, the elongated elastic member has alength that is greater than the length (i.e. perimeter) of the loops.

Optionally, the elongated elastic member is flaccid it its restingstate. Such a configuration can provide, for example, a hair tie thatdoes not have a preformed helix, but that a user can wrap around a lockof hair, e.g. to form a helix. The flaccid elastic nature of theelongated elastic member allows the user to elongate the elongatedelastic member to a desired length (e.g. to accommodate a desired lengthof hair lock) and form a wrap or helix having a desired diameter (e.g.to accommodate a desired diameter or girth of hair lock such as a ponytail). Thus, a hair tie of the invention having this configuration ismuch more versatile than the devices lacking a flaccid elongated elasticmember as described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,328,710 and 5,167,245 whichutilize a rigid or semi rigid helixes or non-elastic cloth strands,respectively. Further, a hair tie of the invention having thisconfiguration, without a preformed shape, is safer for use in activesettings (e.g. sports) and, having an elastic nature, provides a morestable configuration than a flaccid non-elastic band. Further, anelongated elastic member having a flaccid nature, when wrapped around alock of hair as helix, optionally creates a unique “braided” look, withportions of the hair lock slightly protruding from the helix (e.g. asshown in FIG. 3 of provisional application U.S. 62/475,141), which isnot provided with pre-formed rigid or semi-rigid helix found in theprior art.

The present inventor has discovered that an elongated elastic memberhaving excessive stiffness (i.e. resistance to elongation under force)can cause a user's ponytail to deform (e.g. curve) when the hair tie isworn due to, for example, the pulling forces exerted on the loops fromthe intermediate elongated elastic member. For example, when one loop isplaced near the skull of the user, with another loop placed at the otherend of a ponytail and the elastic member wrapped around the portion ofthe ponytail between the two loops (and elongated by stretching), anelongated elastic member having excessive stiffness can exhibit atendency to pull the two loops (and the respective portions of hair towhich they are attached) together, causing a deformation (e.g. curving)of the ponytail. Some users may find such a deformation unsightly orannoying. However, the inventor has determined that some stiffness (i.e.the inherent resistance to elongation exhibited by an elongated memberof the invention that is elastic) is required to provide a stable ponytail. Thus, a hair tie of the invention optionally comprises anelongated member that is elastic (exhibiting some stiffness) but havinga reduced stiffness that allows stretching.

An elastic elongated member having reduced stiffness is not limited to asingle configuration. For example, optionally, the elongated elasticmember has an stiffness such that a force of 1000 grams-force elongatesthe elongated elastic member by a factor of at least 2 (e.g. 1000 gramsunder the force of gravity elongates a 20 cm elongated elastic member toat least 40 cm). Said another way, the elongated elastic member has astiffness such that the force required to elongate the elongated elasticmember by a factor of 2 is less than or equal to 1000 grams-force.Optionally, the elongated elastic member has a stiffness such that theforce required to elongate the elongated elastic member by a factor of 2is less than or equal to 500 grams-force. Optionally, the elongatedelastic member has a stiffness such that the force required to elongatethe elongated elastic member by a factor of 2 is less than or equal to300 grams-force. Optionally, the elongated elastic member has astiffness such that the force required to elongate the elongated elasticmember by a factor of 2 is less than or equal to 250 grams-force. In anyof the above-embodiments, optionally, the elongated elastic member has astiffness such that the force required to elongate the elongated elasticmember by a factor of 2 is greater than or equal to 25 grams-force orgreater than or equal to 50 grams-force.

Optionally, the surface of the elastic elongated member comprises anon-slip or gripping (e.g. friction-imparting) surface, e.g. silicon,rubber, pliable plastic, or a tackified surface. Such a surface providesenhanced grip to a lock of hair around which an elastic elongated memberis wrapped (e.g. helically) and provides a more stable configuration inwhich portions of the elastic elongated member are less prone to movingup and down the hair and/or in which the lock of hair is less prone to“spilling” out from between the helix. In this configuration, stabilityof the elastic elongated member can be imparted by thefriction-imparting surface of the elongated member rather than an overlytightly wound helix (i.e. rather than an excessively stiff elasticmember). Optionally, such a surface of an elongated elastic member isprovided on a hair tie of the invention wherein the loops of the hairtie have a soft covering or woven or non-woven fabric covering (e.g. asconventional scrunches).

Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic member is 7 cm to 100cm. Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic member is 7 cm to100 cm. Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic member is 7 cmto 100 cm. Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic member is 7cm to 100 cm. Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic member is12 cm to 100 cm. Optionally, the length of the elongated elastic memberis 25 cm to 75 cm. While an example elongated elastic member can bestretched to different amounts and still provide a stable configurationaround a lock of hair, in general, longer or thicker hair can typicallyutilize a longer elongated member. Thus, while a given length ofelongated member can be versatile with respect to the length of hair itcan secure, some users may which to select an elongated member that issized such that it is stretched a desired amount (e.g. not more thanabout 2 times its resting length) when worn to avoid bending of thehair.

Loops

A hair tie of the invention comprises loops (or other hair fastenerssuch as clips or ties) positioned about the elongated elastic member,for example, at the ends of the elongated elastic member. The loops canbe used, for example, for securing the elongated elastic member to alock of hair. A hair tie of the invention can comprises a first elasticloop connected to a first end of the elongated elastic member and asecond elastic loop connected to a second end of the elongated elasticmember.

Optionally, the first elastic loop and/or the second elastic loop aremade from elastic banding.

Optionally, the first elastic loop comprises a band thickness orstiffness that is greater than that of the second elastic loop. Thepresent inventor has discovered that, many times, the base of a lock ofhair (near the skull) requires greater squeezing from the loop to secureit in a stable fashion, relative to the end of a hair lock (e.g. the endof a pony tail). Without being bound by theory, the inventor believesthis is due to a greater thickness of the hair lock at the base of thelock or a tighter pull of the hair lock at the base of the lock (notingthat pony tails are often formed by gathering a lock of hair tightly atthe skull). Accordingly, a configuration in which the first elastic loopis thicker or stiffer provides greater stability of securing the base ofthe hair lock, wherein the thinner or less stiff second elastic loopprovides a securing mechanism that is easier for the user to secure to(e.g. stretch over) the hair and/or is less prone to needlessly damagingthe hair.

Optionally, the loops comprise a soft covering or woven or non-wovenfabric covering (e.g. as conventional scrunches). Such loops are lessprone to damaging hair when tightly looped there around. In such aconfiguration, the tightness of the loop (e.g. rather than a non-slipsurface) provides a stable securing mechanism. Optionally, such acovering of the loops is provided on a hair tie of the invention,wherein the elongated elastic member comprises a gripping or non-slipsurface.

Elastic Materials

A hair tie of the invention comprises a first elastic loop, a secondelastic, and an elongated elastic member, any of which can be made froman elastic material, for example, elastic banding.

Elastic materials include, for example, rubber.

Optionally, the rubber is natural rubber, for example, latex.

Optionally, the rubber is synthetic rubber. Examples of useful syntheticrubber include tyrene sbutadiene (SBR), polyacrylics, and polyvinylacetate (PVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polychloroprene (e.g.neoprene), and polyurethane.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Hair Tie

FIG. 1 depicts a hair tie of the invention. The hair tie comprises afirst elastic loop 1, a second loop 2, and an elongated elastic member 3connected at a first end to the first elastic loop 1 and connected at asecond end to the second elastic loop 2.

Each of the first elastic loop 1, the second elastic loop 2, and theelongated elastic member 3 are made from elastic banding. The elasticbanding is selected such that it is flaccid in its resting orun-stretched state. Thus, while FIG. 1 depicts hair tie having its firstelastic loop 1 and second elastic loop 2 forming perfect circles, such adepiction is merely representative of loops. In this example, components1-3 are configured to be flaccid to such an extent that this orientationof perfect circles is unlikely to actually exist naturally withoutcareful manipulation of the hair tie components to this circular shape.

The elongated elastic member 3 was configured with a stiffness such thatit could be stretched and wrapped around a lock of hair, connected atthe base of the hair (at skull) and the end of a lock of hair, withoutcausing bending. Specifically, the elongated elastic member stiffnessthat required about 190 grams force to stretch the elongated elasticmember to twice its resting length. Specifically, the resting length ofthe elongated elastic member 3 was about 60 cm and was stretched toabout 120 cm upon hanging 195 grams (under the force of gravity) fromthe end of the elongated elastic member 3.

The flaccid nature of components 1-3, and even more particularly theelongated elastic member 3, provides several surprisingly advantageousproperties not present in prior art hair ties. Example of suchproperties are as follows:

-   -   a. The hair tie optionally comprises only flaccid components,        with no rigid or semi-rigid (e.g. metal, plastic, or hard        rubber) pieces, making the invention safer for active use in        active situations such as sports and underwater activities.    -   b. The flaccid components 1-3 allow greater ease of use putting        on and taking off the device.    -   c. The flaccid components 1-3 reduce damage to hair upon        removing the hair tie. The present inventor has discovered that        flaccid components taught herein are less likely to pull on hair        as they are removed.    -   d. When used in the present invention, an elongated elastic        member having a flaccid nature, when wrapped around a lock of        hair as helix, optionally creates a unique “braided” look, with        portions of the hair lock slightly protruding from the        elastically squeezing helix, e.g. as shown in FIG. 3 of        provisional application U.S. 62/475,141. This feature is not        provided with pre-formed rigid or semi-rigid helix found in the        prior art, or by non-elastic ropes or wires found in the prior        art which are unable to maintain a stable orientation in active        settings such as sports and underwater activities.    -   e. A hair tie of the invention having this flaccid configuration        is much more versatile with respect to the thickness and length        of lock of hair it can tie. For example, both the diameter of        the helix and the helix pitch (or height of one complete helix        turn) can be configured at-will by the user. This feature is not        provided with rigid or semi-rigid helix found in the prior art        which have a pre-formed shape , or by non-elastic ropes or wires        found in the prior art which are unable to maintain a stable        orientation in active settings such as sports and underwater        activities.    -   f. When used in the present invention, an elongated elastic        member having a flaccid nature, when wrapped and stretched        around a lock of hair as helix, provides a stable configuration        which can be wrapped around various thicknesses of hair lock.        This feature is not provided with rigid or semi-rigid helix        found in the prior art which have a pre-formed shape, or by        non-elastic ropes or wires found in the prior art which are        unable to maintain a stable orientation in active settings such        as sports and underwater activities.    -   g. A hair tie of the invention can optionally simulate more than        two simultaneously worn scrunchies without causing the damage        associated with such, as detailed in Example 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, components 1-3 can have their dimensions tailoredduring manufacture, with loops having a desired length (e.g. length L1of first elastic loop 1), and/or with the elongated elastic member 3having a desired length (e.g. length L2), and/or with any of the bandinghaving a desired thickness (e.g. thickness T1 of first elastic loop 1.f

A user can tie a lock of hair by:

-   -   a. inserting a lock of hair (a plurality of strands of hair)        through the first elastic loop 1;    -   b. wrapping the elongated elastic member 3 around the plurality        of strands of hair one or more times (e.g. to form a helix), and    -   c. inserting the lock of hair through the second elastic loop 2.

Using this method, after tying the lock of hair, the base of the lock ofhair (near the scalp of the user) can be surrounded by first elasticloop 1 while a lower portion of the lock of hair can be surround bysecond elastic loop 2. The elongated elastic member 3 will then bewrapped around a section of the lock of hair intermediate of the base ofthe lock of hair and the lower portion of the lock of hair.

The lock of hair, when tied, optionally has the appearance shown in FIG.3 of provisional application U.S. 62/475,141.

Example 2 Water testing

The inventor tested a hair tie of the invention in water, as shown inFIG. 3 of provisional application U.S.

.

Prior to creating the present invention, the inventor would secure herpony tail by placing a first scrunchie at the base of her pony tail (atthe skull) gather the hair, and then place several scrunchiesconsecutively at different locations of a lock of hair to secure notonly the base of the lock, but also the end of the lock and one or moreintermediate locations on the lock of hair. However, the inventordiscovered that while this method of tying hair is useful to secure theentire lock of hair, this method has resulted in damage to hair and lossof hair resulting from pulling out when removing the bands after havingspent time exercising, especially exercising in water.

Without being bound by theory, the inventor believes that, while wearingelastic scrunchies, moisture (e.g. sweat) or water absorption by thehair causes swelling, expansion, water intercalation, and or movement ofa pony tail's strands of hair. When drying up or exiting the water, theopposite can happen, causing irregular contraction and/or tangling ofthe hair. Then, when attempting to remove these scrunchies from thehair, each scrunchie would be stuck in, tangled, or otherwise preventedfrom easily being removed. The result of this phenomenon was damage tothe hair when removing each scrunchie. This damage is compounded by thenumber of scrunchies worn consecutively down the length of a pony tail.

Surprisingly, however, as seen in FIG. 3 of provisional application U.S.

this example of a hair tie of the invention simulates six consecutivescrunchies worn simultaneously (noting the helix is wrapped four timesplus the top and bottom loops). However, the hair tie only has two loopsthat need to be removed while the elongated elastic band can simply besurprisingly unwrapped without damaging the hair.

The citations provided herein are hereby incorporated by reference forthe cited subject matter.

1. A hair tie comprising a first elastic loop, a second elastic loop,and an elongated elastic member connected at a first end to the firstelastic loop and connected at a second end to the second elastic loop,wherein the elongated elastic member is made from elastic banding; andthe elongated elastic member is flaccid in its resting state and has astiffness such that a force required to elongate the elongated elasticmember by a factor of two is less than or equal to 250 grams-force. 2.The hair tie of claim 1, wherein the first elastic loop and/or thesecond elastic loop are made from elastic banding.
 3. The hair tie ofthe claim 2, wherein first elastic loop and/or the second elastic loopare made from elastic banding that is flaccid in its resting state. 4.The hair tie of claim 1, wherein the elongated elastic member comprisesa non-slip surface.
 5. The hair tie of any of claims 1-4, wherein thestiffness is such that a force required to elongate the elongatedelastic member by a factor of two is less than or equal to 250grams-force and greater than or equal to 50 grams-force.